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Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Dessert Recipe

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4.8 from 119 reviews

Indulgent Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa is a rich and elegant Middle Eastern dessert featuring crispy kunafa dough layered with smooth, luscious chocolate ganache and topped with crunchy pistachios and fragrant syrup. Perfect for impressing guests with its vibrant textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Kunafa Base

  • 1 pack Kunafa Dough (Kataifi)
  • ½ cup Butter (Melted)

Chocolate Filling

  • 8 oz Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate (Chopped) - Can substitute with milk chocolate
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream

Topping and Garnish

  • ½ cup Crushed Pistachios - Can substitute with walnuts
  • ½ cup Sugar Syrup flavored with rose water or orange blossom
  • 1 tablespoon Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (Optional) - Omit if not available

Instructions

  1. Prepare Kunafa Dough: Melt the butter gently and thoroughly coat the kunafa strands by mixing them well in a large bowl so every strand is covered.
  2. Form Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with some butter and firmly press half of the butter-coated kunafa dough into the base of the dish to create an even layer.
  3. Make Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and stir gently until the chocolate melts completely and forms a smooth ganache.
  4. Assemble Layers: Spread the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the kunafa base in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the crushed pistachios evenly on top of the ganache. Finally, cover with the remaining half of the kunafa dough, pressing gently to form the top layer.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the kunafa is golden brown and crispy on top.
  6. Add Syrup: Warm the sugar syrup gently and drizzle it evenly over the hot baked kunafa. Let the syrup absorb into the dessert for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Cut the kunafa into serving pieces and generously garnish with additional crushed pistachios. Optionally, decorate with rose petals or extra rose water for fragrance. Serve warm for the best indulgence.

Notes

  • You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds based on preference or availability.
  • Milk chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
  • If you don't have rose water or orange blossom water, you can omit it without compromising the overall taste.
  • Ensure the kunafa is baked until golden and crispy to get the perfect texture contrast between crunchy strands and soft filling.
  • Using warm syrup helps the kunafa absorb the sweetness better and keeps it moist.

Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/chocolate-pistachio-kunafa-dessert-recipe/